How to Open an Online Casino Business in Turkey?

Learn how to start an online casino in Turkey in 2025. Get easy tips on laws, licenses, payments, and more to run your business smoothly.

Sick of working hard for little money?

Here’s a secret: online casino Turkey owners are making big bucks serving Turkish players.

And you could too!

Turkish players love to game, and they are always on the lookout for new places to play.

While you can’t run a casino from inside Turkey, smart business owners are making it big by setting up shop abroad & tapping into the growing online casino market in Turkey.

Don’t worry if you are new to this– you don’t need to know everything about gaming or tech.

With the right setup and know-how, you could tap into this growing market.

Let’s get started!

Understanding Turkey’s iGaming Laws

Turkey’s iGaming business landscape is quite interesting. They take betting very seriously.

Only government-approved organizations can legally offer betting services, whether in physical locations or online.

This creates a tightly managed system where every betting activity is closely watched.

The major laws

Turkey implements several important laws to control betting.

• Law number 7258 is the main betting law. It’s straightforward– you can only run betting services if the government approves it.

This covers everything from sports betting to online casino turnkey games.

• Law number 5651 focuses on iGaming. It gives the government the power to watch online betting activities and shut down any illegal betting websites.

Internet companies must block these illegal sites when found.

• The Turkish penal code makes it clear that running or using unauthorized betting services is against the law. This comes along with serious consequences for everyone involved.

What Happens If You Break The Rules?

Turkey has set serious punishments for illegal betting.

For people running illegal betting platforms:

• Basic illegal betting operations:1-3 years in prison.
• Using computers or phones for illegal betting: 3-5 years in prison.
• Helping people bet on foreign sports: 4-6 years in prison.

That’s why smart operators start online casino business setups offshore. This helps them in staying compliant while still serving Turkish users.

Online betting rules

Turkey watches iGaming very carefully. Companies offering online betting must:

• Get special licenses
• Protect user information
• Keep detailed records
• Check the players’ age
• Watch for suspicious betting

The Big Picture

Turkey has created this system to keep betting safe and controlled.

While the rules are strict, they make sure that people who want to bet can do so safely through legal channels.

The government keeps updating and enforcing these rules to protect its citizens and maintain order in Turkey’s online casino industry.

Get An Offshore License For Your Online Casino

Getting an offshore license is crucial to running a legal online casino Turkey operation.

This special permit helps you operate your casinos from big European markets like Malta, Gibraltar, or Curacao.

These are some popular offshore locations that offer unique benefits for casino businesses.

Setting up your offshore casino starts with choosing the right location for your license.

Each offshore spot has its mix of benefits– some might offer low taxes, while others have simpler rules.

After picking your spot, you will need to set up a company there and prove you’ve got enough money to run an online casino in Turkey properly.

This step is key if you’re serious about starting an online casino in Turkey that runs legally and efficiently.

Most offshore licenses start at around €20,000 yearly.

The process of getting your offshore license comes with many important steps.

• You’ll need to work with lawyers who know the ins and outs of offshore gaming laws.
• Set up special offshore bank accounts.
• Create systems for handling online payments safely.

A major appeal of an offshore license is its financial benefits:

• Many offshore locations offer tax benefits that you won’t find elsewhere.
• Plus, an offshore license often lets you welcome players from different countries, which can help your online casino Turkey business grow.
• The application process in offshore locations can also be quicker and simpler than getting licensed in more traditional spots.

While getting an offshore license might take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, having this knowledge will show licensing authorities you are serious about running an online casino operation in Turkey.

Choosing The Right Business Model

Smart entrepreneurs know that success starts with selecting the right business model. It’s the foundation upon which everything else–from marketing to operations– builds. Let’s select the ideal business model for you. 

1. White-Label vs. Turnkey Solutions

When starting your online casino platform in Turkey, you’ll need to pick between two main options.

White label casino software lets you build your own brand look and feel.

You can change designs, colors, and features while the provider takes care of all the behind-the-scenes work.

Turnkey casino software platforms come ready to use right away. You get more customization options than with a white label solution.

Choosing between white label or turnkey depends on your budget, the level of customization options you want, and your business goals. 

2. Hybrid Model: Casino & Sportsbook

Offering both popular casino games and sports betting brings more players to your platform.

Players can place bets on sports matches or try online casino turnkey games whenever they want.

When there aren’t many sports games happening, people can play casino games instead.

Big sports events offer a wide range of betting opportunities.

Having both options means your platform stays busy all year.

Players like having different options to play, and you make money from both sides of your business.

If you’re entering the Casino Market in Turkey for the first time, white-label might offer a faster route.

However, a Turnkey Casino Solution is ideal if you’re aiming for scalability and long-term growth.

Step-by-Step Guide To Starting An Online Casino In Turkey

Building an online casino in Turkey doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Follow these steps to turn your gaming business idea into reality.

1. Create a business plan

Starting an online casino platform in Turkey requires careful planning, starting with a detailed budget.

Your initial cost will include website development, which must prioritize mobile optimization since a very large chunk of your audience is accessing entertainment on mobile phones.

Apart from this, here’s what else you will need:

• Turkish-speaking support teams who can provide 24/7 assistance to the users.
• Beyond staffing, allocate funds for licensing and compliance.
• Marketing will be another crucial budget item.
• Secure payment systems that accept popular Turkish methods such as Papara and direct bank transfers.

2. Choose the Right Licensing Jurisdiction

You will have to understand the complex licensing landscape.

The Turkish iGaming market often operates through licenses from established gaming jurisdictions like Malta, Curacao, or Gibraltar.

They provide recognized regulatory frameworks.

Your crucial step should be partnering with a Turkish lawyer who specializes in iGaming laws. They will guide you through the complex permit requirements. 

3. Partner With a Casino Software Provider

Finding the right iGaming software provider starts with understanding Turkey’s unique tech landscape.

• Your chosen provider must offer a platform that smoothly integrates Turkish language support, including proper rendering and right-to-left text compatibility.
• The software’s payment processing capabilities need to handle Turkish-specific payment methods, connecting smoothly with local banks and digital wallets.
• Your software provider should provide regular updates and maintenance. This ensures your platform stays current with changing user preferences.
• Analytics tools must be built into the system, helping you track player behavior and adjust your offerings to match Turkish preferences.

4. Set Up Secure Payment Processing

Turkish users will expect a seamless payment experience that feels local and trustworthy.

That’s why having the right casino payment solutions is important.

Starting with a popular local payment method is crucial, which is why integrating Pappara, Havale, and major Turkish bank cards should be your priority.

These payment options need to process transactions instantly, as Turkish players value quick access to their entertainment.

Your payment system should display all amounts in Turkish Lira by default. This will make the transactions feel familiar and comfortable for local users.

Having a local Turkish bank partner strengthens player trust while also simplifying the process of handling large transaction volumes. 

5. Select and Integrate Casino Games

Understanding Turkish entertainment preferences shapes your entire content strategy.

The best casino games provider will offer a diverse library with Turkish-language support.

Additionally, local themes and cultural elements should appear in your content selection, making users feel at home.

Further, analyzing the user behavior data helps you understand which games and features resonate most with Turkish players. 

6. Develop a Localized Marketing Strategy

Your marketing strategy should be designed in a way that feels authentic and culturally relevant.

Social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube dominate the Turkish landscape, making them the perfect platform for reaching your target audience.

Local influencers can become powerful allies, as Turkish users trust recommendations from people who understand their culture and preferences.

Special promotions during Turkish holidays and events create natural opportunities for engagement.

On the other hand, regional campaigns acknowledge the different preferences across Turkey’s diverse regions.

7. Implement Responsible Gaming Measures

Responsible gaming in Turkey requires a thoughtful approach that balances entertainment with user protection.

Setting up clear limits and self-exclusion options gives users more control over their entertainment experience.

Your platform should include regular reminders about responsible betting, presented in a way that feels caring rather than intrusive.

Your main goal should be to build long-term trust with both players and regulators.

8. Build a Reliable Customer Support System

Turkish users value personal connections with support staff who understand their language and culture.

Your support team should be staffed with native Turkish speakers who can handle everything from basic questions to complex technical issues.

Multiple support channels, including live chat and WhatsApp, meet users where they are most comfortable communicating.

Your support system should track all interactions, helping identify common issues and improve platform features.

Fortune Of Knowledge Turkey cracked down hard on illegal betting in 2024. The government shut down 233,000 betting websites– that’s nearly 40% more than in 2023. These platforms came from 95 different countries, with many running from the US, all trying to dodge Turkey’s strict betting laws. They even caught 286 fake lottery games. Finance Minister Şimşek made it clear: Turkey won’t stand for illegal betting.  Moral of the story? Anyone thinking about running betting operations in Turkey, will either have to play by the rules and work with the state or not play at all.

Wrapping Up…

Breaking into Turkey’s online casino world means thinking ahead and being smart about your approach.

While there is money to be made, success comes down to timing, strategy, and doing things the right way.

If you’ve got the drive and resources to tackle this market, make sure you’re ready for both the challenges and opportunities ahead.

FAQ

• How much does it cost to start a casino business in Turkey?

  Starting a casino business in Turkey costs a lot. Your cost will vary based on the necessary license, compliance with regulations, your chosen software and the features you opt for. You'll need a good amount of money saved up, and costs can be high based on your choices.

• How profitable is the casino business in Turkey?

  Casino operators in Turkey are highly profitable. More Turkish players want online casino games every year, which means this business area is growing and can make good profits.

• Which city is best to start a business in Turkey?

  Istanbul is the top choice for starting an iGaming business in Turkey. Most gaming companies are already there, you can find skilled workers easily, and it's known as one of the best gaming centers in Europe.